Gas valve



March 29, 1966 H. PUTTFARQREN 3,242,968

GAS VALVE Filed may 4, 1964 /NVE/vron HHM/[Af Parma/90ml' United States Patent O 3,242,968 GAS VALVE Heinrich Puttfarcken, Wernau (Neckar), Germany, as-

signor to Junkers & Co. G.m.b.H., Wernau (Neckar),

s 1s claims. (en. 15s- 131) The present invention relates to fluid fuel flow control devices in general, and more particularly to a gas valve. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in a valve which is utilized to regulate the admission of fuel to the pilot burner and to one or more main burners in gas burning apparatus.

It is already known to provide 'a gas valve with a thermoelectric current generator which keeps open the flow path for admission of gaseous fuel to the burners as long as the pilot flame is on, and one of the objects of my invention .is tto provide yan improved Valve of this Igeneral character.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas valve of the just outlined -type wherein the flow path for admission of fuel to the burners is kept open by an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet is mounted and operated in a novel way, and wherein the mechanism for regulating the admission of fuel to the burners occupies very little room so that the valve may be mounted in small gas burning appliances as well as in bulkier fuel burning apparatus.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide a gas valve which is constructed and assembled in such a Way that the admission of fuel to any of the burners is terminated automatically as soon as the pilot flame is extinguished for 'any reason whatever, wherein the admission of fuel to one or more main burners may be regulated with utmost precision, and wherein accidental or malicious extinguishment of a pilot yllame will automatically Iresult in termination of fuel flow to all burners which are controlled by the respective pilot burners.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a gas valve of the above outlined characteristics which prevents uncontrolled escape or leakage of gaseous fuel, wherein the admission of fuel to one or more main burners may be regulated independently of admission of fuel to the pilot burner, and wherein each main burner can receive fuel only after the pilot flame is on to make sure that there is no uncontrolled escape of fuel from a main burner.

A concomitant object of the invention is to provide a gas valve wherein the connection between the electromagnet and the thermoelectric current generator may be established or terminated by a switch of novel construction, wherein the flow path for admission of gaseous fuel yto a main burner may be sealed by not one but two independent valve members, and wherein one such valve member is caused to seal the source of fuel from the burners as soon as the pilot flame is extinguished.

A further object of my invention is to provide a novel mounting for the electromagnet so that its winding need not be flexed when the valve is manipulated to admit or to terminate the flow of gaseous fuel to the b-urners, that the major part of the electro-magnet will perform very short movements in response to such manipulation, and that one of the valve members need not be moved away from the valve housing when the valve is operated to regulate the flow of fuel.

With the above objects in View, one feature of my invention resides in the provision of 4a valve f-or 4regulating the flow of gaseous fuel from a source of fuel to a main 3,242,968 Patented Mar. 29, 1966 lCC burner and to a pilot burner in a fuel burning apparatus wherein a thermoelectric current generator is mounted next to the pilot burner in order to produce a thermocurrent when the pilot flame is on. The valve comprises a housing, a chambered rotary valve member in the housing, handgrip means for rotating the valve member between a plurality of positions including a starting position in which the valve -member prevents fuel from flowing to the main burner, an electromagnet provided in the chamber of the valve member and including a core and a winding both fixed to the Valve member and a reciprocable armature which is attracted by the core when the electromagnet is energized by a thermocurrent, a thermoelectric current generator having .a heat-sensitive portion adjacent to the pilot burner and an inner conductor fixed to the housing, and switch means including `a movable contact element fixed for rotation with t-he valve member and connected with the winding, `and a stationary contact element fixed to the housing and connected with the inner conductor in lthe path of the movable contact element in such a way that the switch is open in the starting position of the valve member and that the switch is closed to connect the electromagnet in circuit with the thermoelectric current generator in one or several other positions of the valve member.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved fluid fuel flow control device itself, however, both 4as -to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advanta-ges thereof, will be best understood upon per-usal of the following detailed description of a specific embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an axial section through a gas valve which embodies my invention and which is shown in idle position;

FIG. 2 is a transverse section as seen in the direction of arrows from the line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary axial section through the gas valve of FIG. 1 and illustrates the first valve member in a position in which this valve member is held during energizat-ion of the electromagnet;

. FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of FIG. 2 and shows the second valve member in a first intermediate position corresponding to that of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary axial section similar to that of FIG. 3 and illustrates both valve members in open position after the electromagnet is energized to automatic-ally retain the first valve member in open position;

FIG. I6 illustrates the structure of FIG. 2 or 4 and shows the second valve member in a different intermediate position corresponding to that of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a further fragmentary axial section simil-ar to that of FIG. 3 or 5 and illustrates the first valve member in closed position at the time the electromagnet is deenergized in response to accidental or intentional extinguishment of the pilot flame;

FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of FIG. 2, 4 or 6 and shows the'second valve member in a position corresponding to that of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a detail view showing the structure within a phantom-line circle IX of FIG. 1 and illustrates the second valve member in a position corresponding to that of FIG. 4, 6 or 8; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic View illustrating the gas valve of FIG. l in a front elevational View together with a source of gaseous fuel and with two burners which are arranged to receive such fuel through the valve.

Referring to FIG. 1, fluid fuel flow control device in the form of a gas valve which comprises a housing 10 having a first externally threaded radial nipple 11 which constitutes the inlet of the valve and which is connected to a source of gaseous fuel, not shown. The housing is further provided with -a second externally threaded radial `nipple 12 which constitutes a rst or main outlet of the valve and which is connected with the main burner, not shown. It will tbe noted that the two nipples are coplanar and are spaced axially with reference to each other, and that the housing 10 defines an internal annular seat 13 Which is disposed intermediate the two nipples. The seat l13 is normally sealed by a first valve member 14, hereinafter simply cal-led disk, and this disk is normally kept in sealing engagement with that side of the seat 13 which is nearer to the inlet 11. The disk 14 is ybiased -by a helical expansion spring 15 which engages its leftJhand side, as viewed in FIG. l, `and which also bears against a threaded plug 18 which is screwed into the left-hand end portion of the housing 10 adjacent to the inlet 11. The disk 14 is provided with a coaxial guide rod 16 which yextends into a guide cylinder 17 of the plug 18. The latter comprises an annular collar 191 which receives one end portion of a cylindrical filter element 19; the other end lporltion of this filter element labuts against the seat 13 so that the stream of gaseous fuel entering through the inlet 11 must pass through the wall of the filter element before it can reach the opening in the seat 13 and before it can 'flow into the main outlet 12 on its Way to the main burner. The housing 10 further defines a channel 37 which is in permanent communication with the opening in the seat 13 and which leads to a second -outlet 371. This latter outlet is connected wit-h the pilot burner of the gas burning apparatus in which the valve is being used. The disk 14 is provided with a concentric projection 141 which extends into the opening of the seat 13 and which serves to transmit motion to the remainder of the disk when the latter is to be moved away from the seat 13 against t-he bias ofthe spring 15.

The housing 10 accommodates a second valve member or plug valve member 20 which is located to the right of the seat 13, as viewed in FIG. 1, and which comprises a conical sealing portion 20a defining an internal chamber 203 for an electromagnet 27. The valve member 20 controls the ow of gaseous fuel from the opening of the seat 13 to the main outlet 12, and its sealing portion 20a is provided with la radial bore 201, shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, which may be moved into -and out of full or partial registry with the passage of the main outlet 12. It will be noted that the diameter of the bore 201 approximates the diameter of the passage in the main outlet.

The valve member 20 is biased by a helical expansion spring 21 which tends -to maintain the sealing portion 20a in permanent sealing engagement with the conical internal surface 10a of the housing 10. The spring 21 surrounds a smaller-diameter neck portion 202 of the valve member 20 which is .also surrounded by a detachable bonnet 25 fitted onto the `righthand end portion of the housing 10. As shown, t-he spring 21 operates between a radially extending annular shoulder 20b provided between the sealing portion 20a and neck portion 202, and the left-hand end face of a motion transmitting sleeve or annulus 22 which is rotatably and axially movably received in the bonnet 25. The valve .member 20 remains in the axial position of FIG. 1 but is rotatable with the sleeve 22 through the intermediary of axially extending teeth 23 provided in the sleeve 22 and extending into axial slot-s 24 in the neck portion 202. rPhe sleeve 22 comprises a cylindrical intermediate portion 221 which is slidable in a collar 252 provided at the right-hand end of the bonnet 25. The right-hand end portion 222 of the sleeve 22 is coupled to a handgrip member 26 which may be manipulated by hand and `serves to bring about axial and angular movements of the sleeve.

Axial as well as angular movements of the sleeve 22 are limited by the aforementioned teeth 23 and slots 24, and also by projections in the form of radially inwardly extending lugs 251 which are provided in the bonnet 25 and which are normally located in an annular groove between a pair of slotted radially outwardly extending flanges 223 on the sleeve 22. Thus, and in order to admit gaseous fuel from the inlet 11 to the main outlet 12 and/ or to the second outlet 371, the sleeve 22 must be moved to a given angular and axial position with reference to the bonnet 25 and housing 10.

The electromagnet 27 serves to keep the disk 14 in open position when the pilot flame 'is on and when this pilot flame heats a thermoelectric current generator 31 which may be connected in circuit wit-h the winding 281 of the electromagnet. W-hen the pilot llame is extinguished, the generator 31 fails Ito produce the necessary thermocurrent and the electromagnet 27 is deenergized so that only a manipulation of the handgrip member 26 can result in admission of gaseous fuel to the outlets 12 and 371. In accordance with lthe present invention, the electromagnet 27 is accommodated in the chamber 203 of the sealing portion 20a, and its cupped casing 271 is rigidly but pref'- erably de'tachably inserted in a complementary axial bore of the valve member 20. The core 28 of the electromagnet 27 supports the 'winding 281 one end of which may be connected with the inner conductor 311 of the generator 31. The other end of t-he Winding 281 is grounded through the valve member 20 and housing y10.

The armature 29 of the electromagnet 27 is mounted on an elongated motion transmitting spindle 30 which is slidable in an axial bore of the valve member 20 and in a sleevelike bearing 234 provided in the core 28. The left-hand end portion 301 of the spindle 30 is adjacent to the projection 141 and extends beyond the bearing 284 which latter forms a lluidtight seal to prevent escape of gaseous fuel into the interior of the casing 271. The right-hand end portion 302 of the spindle 30 extends through a sealing ring 282 provided in an axial recess of the neck portion 202 and' carries a sealing washer 304 which may come in sealing abutment with the ring 232 when the spindle is moved to the position of FIG. 3 or 5. The end portion 302 extends all the way to the end portion 222 of the sleeve 22 and carries an annular plate 303 which may be engaged lby the sleeve 22 when the latter moves axially in a direction toward the disk 14. In order to be able to transmit motion to the plate 303, the sleeve 22 is provided with a radially extending annular shoulder 224 which. may be slightly spaced from the plate 303 when the sleeve 22is in the axial position of FIG. 1. The aforementioned sealing washer 304 also serves as a stop to determine the maximum stroke of the spindle 30.

The structure identified by the numeral 31 actually represents only an end portion of the thermoelectric curcurent generator, namely, that portion which is secured to the housing 10 and which includes one terminal 312 of the inner conductor 311. The outer conductor of the generator is grounded. The means for completing the circuit of the winding 281 comprises a switch member or contact member 32, best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 8, which is concentric with the housing 10 and which is movable about the axis of the housing so as to assume one of the positions shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8 as well as a number of other positions when the operator desires to admit only a small stream of gaseous fuel into the main outlet 12. FIG. 2 illustrates the switch member 32 in its initial position in which the circuit of the winding 231 is open because the switch member is spaced angularly from the terminal 312. This switch member includes an acruate portion or bridge 33 which is movable into and out of actual engagement with the terminal 312 and which is rotatable with the valve member 20. The terminal 312 is mounted in a radial aperture 101 of the housing 10 so as to remain stationary and to be located in the path of the bridge 33. The latter is mounted on an insulator 34 which is recessed into the valve member 20. The bridge 33 is of U-shaped cross section and includes a first leg 331. which is fixed to the insulator 34. This first -leg 331 comprises end portions which resemble claws and which are bent around suitable projections 341 at the circumferential ends of the insulator. The bridge 33 further comprises a second leg 332 which extends through an angle of about 120 degrees, and a web 333 which is connected with one end of the winding 281. This one end of the winding 281 is insulated by a suitable tube 283 and is led through a bore in the valve member 20, see particularly FIG. 9 which also shows that the conical tip of the terminal 312 extends through an insulator 35 which is kept in the illustrated position by a short nut 36. The tip of the terminal 312 is always in the path of the bridge 33 so that the latter establishes a current-conducting connection between the inner conductor 311 and the winding 281 as soon as the switch member 32 is moved from the position of FIG. 2 and to the position of FIGS. 4, 6 or 8. The insulator 35 bears against an internal shoulder of the housing 10 and is kept in such position by the nut 36 which surrounds a portion of the thermoelectric current generator 31. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal 312 may be engaged by the second leg 332 of the bridge 33. The parts 312 and 32 respectively constitute the fixed and the movable contact elements of a switch which is open when the valve member 20 is in the starting position of FIG. l and which connects the electromagnet 27 in circuit with the thermoelectric current generator in several other angular positions of the valve member 20.

Thefvalve of FIGS. 1 to 9 is operated as follows:

FIGSQl and.2 show the valve in the starting or idle position when the disk 14 is free to follow the bias of the spring 15 and is in sealing engagement with the seat 13 so that fuel filling the space between the plug 18 and disk 14is prevented from flowing into the outlets 12 and 371. Thus, the main burner and the pilot burner are disconnectcdfrom the source of fuel. Furthermore, the valve member is kept in a predetermined angular position inwhich its radial bore 201 is kept out of registry with the passage of the main outlet 12 so that the main burner cannot receive any fuel even if the disk 14 happens to move away from the seat 13. The spring 21 biasesthe sealing portion 20a against the internal surface 10a so that the sealing portion prevents ow of any fuel from the chamber 203 into the passage of the main outlet 12. The spring 21 also insures that the right-hand flange 223 of the sleeve 22 bears against the collar 252 of the bonnet 25. The armature 29 is spaced from the core 28 and the electromagnet 27 is deenergized because the bridge 33 of the switch member 32 is spaced from the conical tip of the terminal 312 and because the thermoelectric current generator 31 does not produce the current which is necessary to keep the electromagnet in energized condition.

If the operator now desires to admit fuel to the burners, he must manipulate the handgrip member 26 in a sense to shift the sleeve 22 axially in a direction toward the disk 14 whereby the shoulder 224 entrains the plate 303 so that the spindle 30 follows such axial movement and performs two functions in a simultaneous operation, namely, the armature 29 is moved in contact with the core 28 and the left-hand end portion 301 of the spindle 30 is moved against the projection 141 so that the disk 14 overcomes the bias of the spring 15 and allows gaseous fuel to iiow from the passage of the inlet 11 to the chamber 203, to the channel 37 and to the second outlet 371, sce FIG. 3. This means that the pilot burner receives a stream of gaseous fuel which is ignited in a fully automatic way and in a manner well known in the art so that the pilot burner maintains a pilot flame and is ready to ignite the stream of gaseous fuel which is about to issue from the main burner. In order to admit such fuel to the passage of the main outlet 12 and to the main burner, the operator rst manipulates the handgrip member 26 with a view to insure that the disk 14 remains in open position, and the operator then turns the handgrip member 26 through an angle which sufiices to change the angular position of the valve member 20. This valve member is rotated through the intermediary of teeth 23 and slots 24 whereby its bore 201 may move in full or partial registrywith the passage of the outlet 12 (see FIG. 5). The valve member 20 serves to rotate the bridge 33, first to the position of FIG. 4 in which the bridge establishes a current-conducting connection between the terminal 312 and the winding 281 so that the electromagnet 27 is energized because the thermoelectric current generator 31 produces the necessary current as soon as the pilot llame is on. As is well known in the art, the main portion of the generator 31 is located in such close proximity to the pilot ame that this generator continues to produce the necessary current as long as the pilot llame remains alive. This means that, even before the bridge 33 reaches the position of FIG. 6, the core 28 of the energized electromagnet 27 attracts the armature 29 and keeps this armature in the position of FIG. 3 or 5 even if the handgrip member 26 is released.

When the operator has depressed the handgrip member 26 and the spindle 30 has moved to the position of FIG. 3, the bridge 33 may be rotated to the position of FIG. 4 but no further Ibecause the sleeve 22 is arrested by the projections 251 which engage the right-hand flange 223 so that the sleeve 22 and the handgrip member 26 cannot rotate any further, whereby the operator knows that the bore 201 is still out of registry with the passage of the outlet 12 but that the outlet 371 receives fuel so that the pilot flame is on.

In order to admit fuel to the passage of the main outlet 12 and to the main burner, the operator must allow the handgrip member 26 to move outwardly under the bias of the spring 21 so that the handgrip member returns to the position of FIG. 1. The flanges 223 are now free to -bypass the projections 251 so that the handgrip member 26 may be turned through an angle which is necessary to move the 'bore 201 in full registry with the passage of the main outlet 12 whereby the main burner receives gaseous fuel and such fuel is immediately ignited by the pilot flame. The armature 29 remains attracted to the core 28 because the thermoelectric current generator 31 continues to send a stream of current which maintains the elect-romagnet 27 in energized condition. When the valve member 20 is caused to rotate to the position of FIG. 5, the bridge 33 is moved to the position of FIG. 6 in which its median portion engages the tip of the terminal 312.

If the operator now desires to reduce the flow of fuel to the main bu-rner, the handgrip member 26 is rotated still further or back toward the position of FIG. 4 (while the sleeve 22 remains in the axial position of FIG. yl) whereby the 'bore 201 is moved out of full registry with the passage of the main outlet 12 to effect a corresponding reduction in the flow of fuel to the main burner. In such angular position of the valve member 20, the lefthand portion 33' (shown in FIG. "6) of the bridge 33 will maintaincontact between the inner conductor 311 and the winding 281.

If, for any reason, the flames of the two burners are extinguished while the bore 201 of the valve member 20 remains in full or partial registry with lthe passage of the outlet 12, the thermoelectric current generator 31 ceases to generate a thermocurrent which means that the bias of the spring 15 will cause the disk 14 to return to the position of IFIG. 1 and to prevent flow of gaseous fuel through the opening of the seat 13 whereby the outlets 12 and 371 are automatically sealed from the inlet 11. In other words, as soon as the electromagnet 27 is deenergized, the disk 14 automatically prevents any further outflow of gaseous fuel even if the bore 201 remains in full or partial registry with the passage of the outlet 12. This situation is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 whereby the positiony of the bridge 33 in FIG. 8 corresponds to that of FIG. 6 which means that this bridge continues to provide a connection between the thermoelectric current generator 31 and the winding 281 but the valve member 14 seals the opening in the seat 13.

In order to reignite the pilot burner and the main burner, the operator must return the handgrip member 26 and the valve member 20 to the angular position of FIGS. 1 and 2, whereupon the sleeve 22 may be moved axially in order to shift the spindle 3d to the position of FIG. 3 in which the end portion 301 moves the valve member 14 away from the seat 13 to admit fuel into the channel 37 and to the outlet 371 in order to ignite the pilot 'burner as soon as the valve mem-ber 20 is rotated to the position of FIG. 4. In the next step, the operator allows the handgrip member 26 to ret-urn to the axial position of FIG. l and the operator then rotates the handgrip member in order to move the valve member 20 to the position of FIG. 6 in which the Ibore 201 registers with the passage of the outlet 12.

Of course, the wall structure in which the valve is installed may be provided with suitable symbols to indicate the momentary angular position of the handgrip member 26 so that the operator will know when the handgrip member takes the angular position of FIG. l in which the bridge 33 is out of contact with the terminnal 312 (FIG. 2) or when the valve member 2i) takes the angular position of FIG. 4 or 6.

FIG. 10 has been added in an effort to further facilitate the understanding of the operation of my improved valve. The inlet 11 is connected with a hose 111 which leads to a source I112 of gaseous fuel. The main outlet 12 is connected to a hose 121 which leads to a main burner 122, and the outlet 371 is connected to a hose 372 leading to a pilot burner 373. The heat-sensitive end 313 of the generator 31 is adjacent to the point where the pilot burner 373 produces a flame so that the electromagnet 27 remains energized as long as the ame of the pilot burner is alive. The igniter for the pilot burner is indicated at 374.

A very important advantage of my valve is believed to reside in that the casing 271, the core 2.8 and the winding 231 of the electromagnet 27 are securely fixed to the valve member 20 and that the winding 281 need not be flexed when the handgrip member 26 is manipulated to regulate the flow of fuel to the burners. This is due to the fact that the winding 281 is connected with the bridge 33 and that both the winding and the bridge can rotate with the valve member Ztl so that the material o'f the winding is not subjected to any bending stresses. Also, and since the parts 271, 23 and 281 of the electromagnet ,27 rotate with the valve member 2t), there is little likelihood of jamming asin certain conventional gas valves of which I have knowledge at this time. The valve member 2d need not move axially so that its sealing portion 20a remains in permanent sealing engagement with the internal surface 10a. Consequently, the valve may 'be used for long periods of time and requires no cleaning because all sensitive parts are properly sealed from moisture or dirt; thus, there is no need to dismantle the valve in order to inspect the electromagnet. The bridge 33 remains in current-conducting engagement with the terminal 312 at all times excepting when the valve member 20 is in the angular position of FIG. 2, i.e., when the bore 201 is out of registry with the passage of the main outlet 12.

It -goes without saying thatthe valve of my invention can `:be modified by changing the position of the parts 312 and 33, i.e., by mounting the switch member 32 in the housing 10 in permanentcurrent-conducting connection with the thermoelectric current generator 31, and lby mounting the terminal 312 on the valve member 23 in permanent currentaconducing connection with the winding 281. This would merely amount to a reversal of functions Without in any way constituting a departure from the spirit of my invention. The entire valve is a structure of short axial length and of comparatively small dis s ameter so that it occupies very little room in a household appliance or in another gas -burning apparatus.

I also wish to mention that the valve of my invention may be used to regulate the flow of fuel to a pilot burner and to two or more main burners. For example, the outlet 12 may be connected with several main burners.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended Within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following Claims.

What is claimed as new and `desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a gas valve of the character described, in combination, a va-lve housing; a rotary valve member in said housing; means for rotating said valve member between a plurality of positions including a starting position; an electromagnet including a winding rotatable with said valve member; a thermoelectric current generator having a conductor fixed to said housing; and a switch including a movable contact element fixed for rotation with said valve member and connected to said Winding, and a fixed Contact element connected with said conductor in the path of said movable contact element so that said contact elements are spaced from each other in the starting position of said valve member and that said switch is closed to connect the electromagnet in circuit with said generator in at least one other position of said valve member.

2. In a gas valve of the character described, in cornbination, a valve housing defining an internal space and having an outlet in communication with said space; a rotary valve member in said housing, said valve member being adjacent to said outlet and defining an internal chamber; means for rotating said valve member between a plurality of positions including a starting position in which said valve member seals said outlet from said space; an electromagnet including a core provided in said chamber and fixed for rotation with said valve member, a winding on said core, and an armature movable toward and away from said core; a thermoelectric current generator having a conductor fixed to said housing; and a switch including a movable contact element fixed for rotation with said valve member and connected with said winding, and a stationary contact element fixed to said conductor in the path of said movable contact element so that said switch is open when the valve member is'moved to said starting position and that the switch connects said electromagnet in circuit with said generator in at least one other position of said valve member.

3. In a gas valve of the character described, in combination, a valve housing defining an internal space and having an outlet in communication with said space; a rotary valve member inIsaid housing, said valve member being adjacent to said outlet and defining an internal chamber; means for rotating said valve member between a plurality of positions including a starting position in which said valve member seals said outlet from said space; an electromagnet including a core provided in said chamber and fixed for rotation with said valve member, a winding on said core, and an armature movable toward and away from said core; a thermoelectric current generator having a conductor fixed to said housing; and a switch including an arcuate bridge fixed for rotation with said valve member and connected with said Winding, and a stationary terminal fixed to said conductor in the path of said bridge so that said bridge is spaced from said terminal when the valve member is moved to said starting position and that the bridge contacts said terminal whereby the switch connects said electromagnet in circuit withsaid generator in at least one other position of said valve member.

4. In a Vgas valve of the character described, in combination,a valve housingdefining an internal space and having-arioutlet in communication with said space; a rotary valve'member in said housing, said valve member beingadjacent to said outlet and defining an internal chamberjmeans for rotating said valve member between a plurality of positions including a starting position in which said valve member seals said outlet from said space; an j electromagnet including a core provided in said chamber and fixed for rotation with said valve member, a lwinding on said core, and an armature movable toward aridaway from said core; a thermoelectric current generatorvhaving a conductor fixed to said housing; and aswitch including an insulator recessed into said valve member, an, arcuate bridge rigidly fixed to said insulator and connected with said winding, and a stationary terminal fixedly mounted in a radial aperture provided in said housing, said terminal being connected with said conductor and extending into the path of said bridge so that the bridge is spaced from the terminal in said starting positionof the valve member and that the bridge contacts said Iterminal whereby said switch connectsI the electromagnet in circuit with said generator in at least one other position of said valve member.

,5. A combination as setforth in claim 4, wherein said bridge is a body of U-shaped cross section having a pair of legs one of which is fixed to said insulator.

6. AV combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein said bridge is a body of U-shaped cross section having a leg extending through an angle of about 120 degrees and arranged t-o engage said terminal in said other position of the valve member.

7. In a gas valve of the character described, in combination, a valve housing defining an internal space and having an outlet in communication with said space; a rotary valve member in said housing, said valve member being adjacent to said outlet and defining an internal chamber; means for rotating said valve member between a plurality of positions including a starting position in which said valve member seals said outlet from said space; an'electromagnet including a Vcore provided in said chamber and fixed for rotation with said valve member, a winding on` said core, and an armature movable toward and away from said core; a thermoelectric current generator having a conductor extending into a radial aperture provided in said housing; and a switch including an arcuate bridge secured to sai-d valve member and connected with said winding, a stationary terminal received in said aperture and secured to said conductor so as to extend into the path of said bridge when the valve member is rotated from said starting position whereby said switch connects the electromagnet in circuit with said generator, and and insulator received in said aperture and arranged to insulate said conductor and said terminal from said housing.

8. A valve for regulating the flow of fuel from a source of gaseous fuel to a main burner and to a pilot burner in a fuel burning apparatus of the type wherein a thermoelectric current generator produces a thermocurrent when the pilot flame is on, said valve comprising a hollow housing including an inlet arranged to receive gas from the source, a first and a second outlet respectively arranged to admit gas to the main burner and to the pilot burner, and an internal valve seat between said inlet and said outlets; a first valve member provided in said housing and normally engaging with said seat to seal the outlets from said inlet; a second valve member rotatably received in the housing and arranged to seal said inlet from said first outlet in a starting position thereof; an electromagnet provided in said second valve member and having an armature and a core adapted to attract said armature when the electromagnet is energized by thermocurrent from the generator; handgrip means arranged to rotate said second valve member and operatively connected with said armature to move the same in contact with said core; a motion transmitting member operatively connected with said handgrip means and arranged to keep said first valve member in open position when said armature is in contact with said core; a thermoelectric current generator having a heat-sensitive portion adjacent to the pilot burner to produce a thermocurrent when the pilot flame is on and a conductor secured to said housing; and a switch including a first contact element fixed to said electromagnet and rotatable with said second valve member, and a second contact element fixed to said conductor and extending into the path of said first contact element so as to engage with the same in at least one position of said second valve member other that said starting position whereby the electromagnet is connected in circuit with said generator and the armature may be attracted by the core when the pilot llame is on.

9. A valve for regulating the flow of fuel from a source of gaseous fuel to a main burner and to a pilot burner in a fuelvburning lapparatus of the type wherein a thermoelectric current generator produces a thermocurrent when the pilot flame is on, said valve comprising a hollow housing including an inlet arranged to receive gas from the source, a first and a second outlet respectively arranged to admit gas to the main burner and to the pilot burner, and an internal valve seat between said inlet and said outlets; a first valve member provided in said housing and normally engaging with said seat to seal the outlets from said inlet; a second valve member rotatably received in .the housing and arranged to seal said inlet from said first outlet in a starting position thereof; an electromagnet provided in said second valve member and having an aramature and a core adapted to attract said armature when the electromagnet is energized by thermocurrent from the generator; handgrip means arranged to rotate said second valve member and operatively connected with said armature to move the same in contact with said core; a motion transmitting member operatively connected with said handgrip means and arranged to keep said first valve member in open position when said armature is in contact with said core; a thermoelectric current generator having a heat-sensitiveportion adjacent to the pilot burner to produce a thermocurrent when the pilot flame is on and a conductor secured to said housing; and a switch including an arcuate bridge fixed to said electromagnet and rotatable with said second valve member, and a terminal fixed to said conductor and extending into the path of said bridge so as to engage with the same in at least one position of said second valve member other that said starting position whereby the electromagnet is connected in circuit with said generator and the armature may be attracted by the core when the pilot fiame is on.

10. A valve for regulating the flow of fuel from a source of gaseous fuel to a main burner and to a pilot burner in a fuel burning apparatus of the type wherein a thermoelectric current generator produces a thermocurrent when the pilot flame is on, said valve comprising a hollow housing including an inlet arranged to receive gas from the source, a first and a second outlet respectively arranged to admit gas to the main burner yand to the pilot burner, and an internal valve seat between said inlet and said outlets; a first valve member provided in said housing and normally engaging with said seat to seal the outlets from said inlet; a second valve member rotatably received in the housing and arranged to seal said inlet from said first outlet in a starting position thereof; an electromagnet provided in said second valve member and having an armature and a core adapted to attract said armature when the electromagnet is energized by thermocurrent from the generator; handgrip means arranged to rotate said second valve member and operatively connected with said armature to move the same in contact with said core; a motion transmitting member operatively connected with said handgrip means and arranged to keep said first valve member in open position when said caracas armature is in contact with said core; a thermoelectric current generator having a heat-sensitive portion adjacent to the pilot burner to produce a thermocurrent when the pilot ame is one anda conductor secured to said housing; and a switch including a first contact element lixed to said electromagnet and supported by said second valve member, insulator means connecting said second .valve member with said rst contact element, a second contact element xed to said conductor and extending into the path of said rst contact element so as to engage with the same in at least one position of said second valve member other that said starting position whereby the electromagnet is connected in circuit with said generator and the armature may be attracted by the core when the pilot flame is on, and means for insulating said conductor and said second contact element from said housing.

11. A valve as set forth in claim 10, wherein the second valve member is provided with a cavity and said electromagnet comprises a casing for said core received in said cavity and fixed to said second valve member.

- 12. A valve as Vset forth in claim 1t), wherein said Vfirst contact element is an arcuate plate-like bridge which is concentric with said second valve member and surrounds a portion thereof.

13. In a fuel burning apparatus, in combination, a source of gaseous fuel; a main burner; a pilot burner adjacent to said main burner; an igniter adjacent to said pilot burner; a thermoelectric current generator including `a heat-sensitive portion adjacent to the pilot burner to proruce a thermocurrent when the pilot iarne is on, said generator further including a conductor; and a valve including a hollow housing having an inlet connected with said source, a main outlet connected with said main burner, a second outlet connected with said pilot burner, a radial aperture in said housing receiving a portion of said conductor, and an internal seat located between said inlet and said outlets, a {irst spring-biased valve member normally engaging said-seat to prevent ow of fuel from said inlet to said outlets, a second lspring-biased valve member rotatably-received in said housing and arranged to seal said main outlet from said inlet in a starting position thereof, an electromagnet provided in said second valve member and having a core, a winding on said core, and an armaturemovable toward and away from said core in the axial direction of said second valve member, sai'dcore being arranged to attract said armature when the e1ectromagnet is energized by thermocurrent from Vsaid generator7 handgrip means arranged to rotate said second valve member in said housing and operatively connected with said armature to move the same toward and away from said core, a motion transmitting member operatively connected with said handgrip means and ararnged to move said first valve member away from i. Said seat when the armature is in contact with said core, and aswitch in ciuding a first contact element xed to said winding and rotatable with said second valve member, and a secondV contactelement fixed to said portion o f the conductor and extending into the path of said ir-st contact element so as to engage with the irst contact element in'at least one position of said second valve member other than ,said starting position whereby the electromagnet is connected in circuit with said generatorl and is energized by thermo,- current when the pilot ame is on. 'i

14. A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein said second valve member is provided with a cavity receiv-v ing said electromagnet and with a radial bore which communicates with said main outlet in a predetermined angular position of said second valve member, said seat hav= ing `an opening which is in permanent communication with said bore.

15. A combination as set forth in claim 13, wherein Said motion transmitting member is .an elongated Spindley and further comprising a ysleeve aXially movably vreceived in a portion 0f said bruising and arranged .to move said spindle axially in response to manipulation of said hand grip means.

References Cited by the 'Examiner FREDERICK L. MATTESON, IR., Primary Examinar, 

1. IN A GAS VALVE OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED, IN COMBINATION, A VALVE HOUSING; A ROTARY VALVE MEMBER IN SAID HOUSING; MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID VALVE MEMBER BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF POSITIONS INCLUDING A STARTING POSITION; AN ELECTROMAGNET INCLUDING A WINDING ROTATABLY WITH SAID VALVE MEMBER; A THREMOELECTRIC CURRENT GENERATOR HAVING A CONDUCTOR FIXED TO SAID HOUSING; AND A SWITCH INCLUDING A MOVABLE CONTACT ELEMENT FIXED FOR ROTATION WITH SAID VALVE MEMBER AND CONNECTED TO SAID WINDING, AND A FIXED CONTACT ELEMENT CONNECTED WITH SAID CONDUCTOR IN THE PATH OF SAID MOVABLE CONTACT ELEMENT SO THAT SAID CONTACT ELEMENTS ARE SPACED FROM EACH OTHER IN THE STARTING POSITION OF SAID VALVE MEMBER AND THAT SAID SWITCH IS CLOSED TO CONNECT THE ELECTROMAGNET IN CIRCUIT WITH SAID GENERATOR IN AT LEAST ONE OTHER POSITION OF SAID VALVE MEMBER. 